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Dear Neighbors,
The results from my annual survey are in! You told me that your top three issues of concern were crime and safety, transportation and mobility infrastructure, and the cost of living. Stay tuned to this newsletter, my social media pages, and my website for updates on what I'm doing to address these issues.
Read on for more important updates, and don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news. And as always, please don't hesitate to reach out to our office if there is anything we can do to assist you.
Gratefully,
Councilwoman, Amanda Sawyer
District 5
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GENERAL INQUIRIES
DenverCouncil5@denvergov.org
720-337-5555
Visit our website for useful information and helpful links!
LOCATION
City and County Building
1437 Bannock St., Room 451
Denver, CO 80202
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OFFICE HOURS
We have virtual and open in-person office hours this upcoming month:
- Thursday, February 20, from 1:00 to 2:30 PM
- Thursday, February 27, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Curtis Park Delicatessen on 6th Avenue
- Thursday, March 6, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Thursday, March 13, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Please note that you must contact our office to schedule an appointment with Councilwoman Sawyer for the virtual office hours appointments. The in-person office hours are walk-ins, meaning an appointment is not necessary.
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2024-2025 Annual Survey Analysis
I'm excited to share the results of the 2024-2025 annual survey, and we want to express our gratitude for the overwhelming response! This year, a total of 1,611 residents participated. Crime and Safety led as the primary concern voiced by District 5 residents, followed by issues related to traffic/mobility infrastructure, and the cost of living. I sincerely appreciate the diverse participation from all corners of the District and commit to continuing my work on each of these issues.
I'm very proud of this work and recognize that there's more to be done. Please free to reach out to our office if you have any questions, suggestions, or if there's anything we can assist you with. I value your engagement and am here to serve the People of District 5.
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Sign-up for East Colfax BRT Updates
Construction has started on the East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. Click on the buttons below to sign-up for e-mail and construction updates and to access business support.
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East Avenues Safety Study Results are Here
These streets have been a long-standing concern for area residents, business owners, and other constituents. Portions of these streets have been identified on the city's High Injury Network in the 2022 Vision Zero Action Plan. Additionally, forthcoming Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) on East Colfax Avenue is expected to change travel patterns in the area. This study aims to identify mitigations for both pre-existing safety concerns on these streets as well as for potential diversion effects resulting from East Colfax Avenue BRT.
This study was comprised of an analysis of existing conditions, recommendation of countermeasures to improve safety, and a benefit-cost analysis of each recommendation. Now that the study is complete, the Department of Transportation will look at funding to implement these recommendations.
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Sign-up for Spring Parks Clean-up Day
Our neighborhoods are cherished places, and we want to keep them beautiful! That's why Councilwoman Sawyer has created District 5 Community Clean-up Day, which is a unique opportunity for community members to come together and contribute to the beautification of our city. Below is a list of parks, open spaces, and RTD bus stop benches that we need your help sprucing up.
Parks and Open Spaces
- 6th Ave Parkway (Monaco to Quebec)
- Bayaud Park
- Cherry Creek Trail and City of Karmiel Park (University Blvd to Alameda Ave)
- Denison Park
- Great Lawn Park
- John W. Barnes Park
- Kittredge Park
- Lindsley Park
- Mayfair Park
- Montclair Park and Richthofen Parkway
- Robinson Park
Bus Stop Benches
- E Bound – Alameda Ave & Miami Ct
- W Bound – Alameda Ave & S Dayton St
- W Bound – Alameda Ave & S Monaco Pkwy
- E Bound – Alameda Ave & Quebec St
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S Bound – Quebec St & 13th Ave
- W Bound – Alameda Ave & Clinton St
- E Bound – Alameda Ave & S Niagara St
I hope you'll join us for my annual Spring Parks Clean-up Day! Sign-up at: Bit.ly/2025SpringCleanup
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Compost Rollout to District 5 and Service Changes
Denver is accelerating its rollout of compost collection service. Customers in District 5 should have received a letter in December explaining how to sign up for service, with compost carts to arrive in February and March. More info at: www.denvergov.org/compostrollout.
To be able to accelerate the compost rollout to the rest of the city, Mayor Johnston and the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) have announced service changes to recycling service and large-item pick-up. Starting in 2025, recycling service will be bi-weekly instead of weekly and large-item pick-up will be every 9 weeks instead of monthly. While we are extremely disappointed in these developments, we look forward to composting capabilities coming to the residents of District 5 quickly.
More info at: www.denvergov.org/expandedcollection
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Schlessman Library Temporary Closure for Renovations
Schlessman Library has temporarily closed for renovations. The Schlessman Family Branch Library community conversation was held in July 2016 and brought residents from Lowry together with library staff to discuss the future of the area. Lowry residents want a peaceful and safe community for children and desire to create a community where neighbors know one another. Attendees expressed concern about existing safety and security and a lack of available resources for families of different ethnic and economic backgrounds. Overall, residents opined for the ideal of Lowry as a planned, safe and walkable community. The renovation project includes:
- Increase square footage with an addition to improve the service point for technology and service models
- Updating/relocating community room
- Exploring new arrangements for flexible learning spaces
- Redesigning the children’s area
- Modifying material shelving arrangement
- Redesigning staff rooms
- Exploring new arrangements for computers/mobile device access
- Exterior improvements to research and repair leaking titanium façade panels, replacing the roof, addressing landscaping, sidewalk and exterior lighting
- Improvements to building systems including HVAC
- Reducing solar gain on east and south curtain wall, life safety, surveillance and access controls, electrical, data, and communication systems
- Provide new interior finishes, furniture, fixtures, and signage
- Compliance with current ADA requirements
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Ellsworth Ave. Storm System Phase 2 Status Update
Phase 1 of the Ellsworth Storm project is complete. The project began in August
2021 at the intersection of Steele St and Ellsworth Ave. This work required
extensive relocation of underground utilities. Major work was performed in the
Ellsworth corridor to update and replace the storm sewer lines that flow down
Ellsworth Ave and connect to Steele St. Green Infrastructure planters were
placed on all corners of the Adams St and Ellsworth Ave intersection and the NE
corner of the Cook St and Ellsworth Ave intersection. Phase 1 ended just west of
Madison St on Ellsworth Ave.
General Information
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Typical Hours of Construction: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Unique circumstances may require work past 5:00 p.m., but all work will be completed prior to 9:00 p.m. per City of Denver Noise Ordinance.
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Business/Driveway Access: All business and residential driveway access will be maintained during construction. There may be instances where alternative entry and exit parameters are required to complete the work. Each property owner will be contacted prior to access modifications.
Monthly Construction Look Ahead - January 2025
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Road Closures: Concrete Work of Colorado (CWC) currently has the roadway closed on Ellsworth Ave. from just east of Cook St. to just west of Monroe St. In the upcoming weeks, CWC will be reopening Ellsworth Ave. for travel from Cook St. to Monroe St. and the roadway closure will be shifted from Monroe St. to just east of Garfield St. Access to the alleys on Ellsworth Ave. between Madison St. and Garfield St. are expected to be closed from February through July 2025. The alleys will remain accessible from 1st Ave. and Bayaud Ave. and the project team has coordinated with the City of Denver-Solid Waste so that there will be no interruption to trash/solid waste pickup in the alleys. Please follow all roadway detour signage to limit congestion around the project site.
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Pedestrian Travel: Crews have replaced all ADA ramps at the intersection of Ellsworth Ave. and Madison St. and will begin installing new ADA ramps at the Monroe St. intersection. When sidewalk is scheduled for removal, crews will maintain an open sidewalk path on one side of Ellsworth Ave. for pedestrian access.
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Construction Activities: There will be excavation work and relocation of utilities in conflict with the proposed storm system in the Ellsworth/Monroe intersection. CWC will be installing the main storm line between Madison St. & Monroe St. and will install storm inlets and laterals in the Ellsworth/Monroe intersection. Crews will be preforming survey, potholing for utilities, and maintaining BMPs for erosion control.
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Utility Work: No domestic waterline outages are anticipated in February. In the event of an outage, each homeowner being affected will receive a notice on their door 48 hours prior to each outage. These outages are necessary to relocate the existing water mains and make room for the new storm system. Crews will work diligently to keep these outages as short as possible.
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Paving: CWC will be paving Ellsworth Ave. from east of Cook St. to Madison St. Ellsworth Ave. will be completely re-paved from street edge to street edge by the end of this project.
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Vibration Monitoring: The project team has installed vibration monitoring equipment onsite and continues to monitor vibration levels caused by construction so that they remain at an acceptable level.
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Denver Water East Colfax Pipe Replacement Project
Next week, the crew will work on the following segment of East Colfax Avenue:
- Fairfax Street to Forest Street.
The typical work schedule on the project will continue to be Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Weekend work may be required throughout the project.
Project details
Denver Water will replace nearly 5 miles of aging pipe along East Colfax Avenue, between Broadway and Yosemite Street, working in two- to three-block segments at a time. The entire project should be complete in 2025.
Local access to residences and businesses will be maintained throughout the project.
Construction schedules are subject to change due to weather and may be altered to accommodate major events in Denver. Commuters should expect delays in this area. For more information or to sign up to receive updates, we encourage folks to visit denverwater.org/Colfax. Denver Water and RTD are coordinating to minimize impacts to bus routes throughout the project. For more information about bus routes, visit RTD Service Alerts.
The pipe replacement work is taking place in advance of the East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit project, which is being led by the Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, in partnership with RTD, Colorado Department of Transportation, the Federal Transit Authority and the City of Aurora.
Project resources
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#WeBackTheFax
Work is underway on the East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, aimed at improving reliable, safe and sustainable transit along the corridor. Visit the project website to learn more about the improvements happening along the corridor and to sign up for notifications.
East Colfax Avenue businesses are open! This holiday season, support local businesses along East Colfax for a chance to win a $50 gift card. Here’s how:
- Eat, drink, shop or play at an East Colfax Avenue business.
- Take a photo or video showcasing your support for the business.
- Post on social media with the hashtag #WeBackTheFax and tag the business.
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Unplugged from social media? Submit your photo via this form.
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Reduced Speeds of Electric Scooters on the Highline Canal
My office worked with Lime to reduce the speed of electric scooters to 8mph along the High Line Canal between Havana Street and Parker Road. We also partnered with Fairmount Cemetery to reduce scooter speeds on their grounds. These changes will help keep residents safe as they use the trail or while visiting the cemetery.
If you observe reckless driving or abandoned scooters, you can report them to 3-1-1.
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Highline Canal Improvements
This project will replace the existing narrow asphalt trail with a new 12-foot wide concrete trail and adjacent 6' wide crusher fines path between Parker Road and Havana Street. The project will also include ADA ramp upgrades and other trail amenities. The project is a partnership between Denver Parks & Recreation and the High Line Canal Conservancy.
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Update Trespass Agreements with DPD
If you currently have or would like to have a trespass agreement with the Denver Police Department (DPD), you must fill out a new one for the new year. By filling out the form, businesses and residents alike authorize DPD to remove trespassers.
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Reminder - Help Us Spot Neighborhood Issues During 311 Thursdays
We're asking District 5 residents to call in an issue, problem, or complaint every Thursday! Is there a pothole on your street? Graffiti on an electrical box or building? Tall weeds or overgrown vegetation in your neighborhood? An intersection that needs improvements? Please report to 311! Not only will this help the City know where problems are, it will generate needed data to show how the City can best allocate its resources to make our neighborhoods safer!
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Lisabeth Pérez Castle
Lisabeth (Liz) Pérez Castle was appointed as Denver’s Independent Monitor in January 2023. She manages a 14 person staff, which includes a team of deputy monitors, a policy team, intake team and community outreach team.
As Independent Monitor, Liz provides independent civilian oversight of all investigations of alleged misconduct of the approximately 2,500 sworn police officers and sheriff deputies in the City and County of Denver.
As monitor she and her staff review complaints of misconduct and disciplinary recommendations. They are tasked with making recommendations for thorough and unbiased investigations and discipline. She and her staff report to police shootings, make training and policy recommendations to the Denver Police and Sheriff Departments and conduct community outreach. Her office provides the community with a bi-annual and annual report.
Before becoming Independent Monitor, Liz was a public defender for 12 years and then established a private criminal defense practice in Denver in 2000. To connect with the Office of the Independent Monitor you can email OIM@denvergov.org or call 720-913-3306 to leave a message.
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Park Burger
Park Burger is a casual, family-friendly neighborhood restaurant, serving up some of Denver's prizewinning burgers, fries, shakes and beers. Park Burger prides themselves on crafting the best burger using only the freshest, highest quality ingredients. The burgers they serve start with all natural, never frozen beef, buffalo, and house made turkey and veggie burger patties, all on top of locally baked buns made exclusively for Park Burger. On the side, customers enjoy traditional french fries, sweet potato fries and their new truffle parmesan fries, as well as buffalo wings and a number of salads. Their milkshakes make good use of local Colorado fruit, and change with the season. To wash everything down, Park Burger now serves a wide selection of Colorado Beers, a number of wines and cocktails.
Thank you for your dedication to our community!
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There is currently one open re-zoning in District 5
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5401 E Dakota Avenue was filed on January 22, 2025. Under the Charter process (Denver Zoning Code 12.4.10.4.A.2 and the City Charter Sec. 3.2.9), Councilmember Amanda Sawyer is proposing to rezone property at 5401 E. Dakota Avenue from R-1 to E-SU-Dx. The rezoning will correct a clerical error in the Near Southeast Area Plan legislative rezoning that was approved on January 6, 2025 by City Council. The Near Southeast Area Plan legislative rezoning incorrectly indicated the proposed district as S-SU-Dx, which does not exist in the Denver Zoning Code. There will be a required public hearing on February 24.
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Upcoming public hearings
*dates are subject to change
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February 18
- 4507 Rifle Way
- Gas Station Text Amendment
- Fair Elections Fund
February 24
- 1079 N Williams St
- 1628-1630 N Ogden St
- 5401 E Dakota Ave
March 3
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March 10
March 17
- Near Northwest Legislative Rezoning
March 24
- 500, 501, 551 Wazee Street
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Denver Acquires Park Hill Golf Course
In a historic deal negotiated by Mayor Mike Johnston, the City and County of Denver will acquire the site of the former Park Hill Golf Course and transform the space into a new regional park. Managed by Denver Parks & Recreation, the park will open to the public as open space for passive recreational use by summer of this year. At 155 acres, the Park Hill property will become one of Denver’s largest urban parks and will mark the city’s largest-ever, single acquisition of private property for an urban park. Learn more about next steps and sign up to get updates at denvergov.org/ParkHill.
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Quebec Street Construction
The final section of Quebec Street to be closed will be 17th Street to Montview Boulevard from February 10 until March 14. The road will be open on the weekends when crews are not working.
Notes about access:
Full closures of Quebec Street will be on the weekdays during work hours. Quebec Street will be open on weekends when crews are not on site. Local access will be restored. Detours around the work area will be provided for drivers. Please refer to the project webpage for additional information.
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Vacancy on the Board of Adjustments
Denver City Council is accepting applications for an appointment to serve as an alternate on the Board of Adjustments.
Responsibilities
- Administrative Review to allow for reversal of a decision where Zoning Administrator has erred.
- Approval of Zoning Permit with Special Exception Review (ZPSE) for Uses which are allowed in a zone district but have the potential to impact the surrounding neighborhood.
- Granting variances to allow a deviation from the Code where a justifying circumstance is demonstrated (most common case coming before the BOA).
- Issue a Stay or Delay of Enforcement related to existing noncompliant conditions.
This posting is for an alternate position. City Council and the Mayor each appoint, for a term of three years, one alternate member of the Board of Adjustment in addition to the five members. When a member of the Board is recused or is absent, an alternate member shall act in their place. The Board shall make an effort to alternate between the city council alternate and the mayoral alternate when possible.
Qualifications
- Pursuant to Denver zoning code, applicants must have a demonstrated interest in zoning, land use, or urban design.
- Applicants shall not be on the staff of the Board or be employed by Community Planning and Development.
If you or someone you know has a demonstrated interest in zoning, land use, or urban design, check out the full description and application instructions here.
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Leave Your Fingerprints Downtown
Downtown Denver's story is written by visionaries like you – leaders who understand that our city's greatest achievements have always come through collaboration. The Downtown Denver Partnership is seeking artists to create interactive installations that celebrate Denver's neighborhoods through storefront art on 16th Street.
Each selected artist will receive $5,000 to bring their vision to life.
Key Details:
- 6 Installation Opportunities
- $5,000 Per Installation
- Applications Open: January 28 - February 28
- Installation Period: May 2024
- Location: 16th Street, Downtown Denver
Ready to leave your fingerprints downtown? Apply now!
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General Obligation Bond and Opportunity for Engagement
The Mayor announced the Vibrant Denver bond package that will be on your November 2025 ballot. Bond packages are voted on by the People and are a financial tool for the city to be able to fund investment projects related to parks, infrastructure, public safety, and other items without raising taxes.
As part of this process, the Mayor is asking you to share your feedback on what projects should be added to the list. Visit Denvergov.org/VibrantDenver
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Take the My Denver Survey
Help shape the future of MY Denver programs at Denver Recreation Centers! Denver Parks & Recreation is seeking your input on the MY Denver programs that matter most to your family. This survey is for current and potential future participating MY Denver families. Provide your email address to be entered into a random drawing for a prize. Survey closes on March 15. Please email mydenver.recreation@denvergov.org with questions.
Take the MY Denver Survey!
Link: www.surveymonkey.com/r/MYDenver24
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Check if you are Eligible for Property Tax Relief
Get a refund on your 2024 property taxes! If you live in Denver County and qualify for the Property Tax Relief Program, you can get an average refund of $1,000. You may qualify if you are:
- A renter or homeowner who is 65 or older
- A renter or homeowner who was disabled all of 2024
- A homeowner who lived with at least one dependent minor child in 2024
This program has income limits and other qualification requirements. Check to see if you qualify and apply at www.denvergov.org/propertytaxrelief
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Community Events & Meetings | |
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DPD2 and DPD3 CAB Meetings
Did you know that both of our police districts host monthly community meetings? Both District 2 and District 3 Commander Advisory Board meetings are held the 1st Wednesday of each month at the district station (excluding holidays). CAB meetings start at 6pm, but feel free to come early as Community Resource Officers will be available starting at 5pm to answer specific questions, discuss concerns, or to help you register for crime prevention programs.
District 5 neighborhoods located in Police District 2 are Hale and Montclair. All other District 5 neighborhoods are located in Police District 3.
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Registered Neighborhood Organizations | |
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Denver is a unique city in promoting greater citizen involvement through organized neighborhood associations. Currently, there are 78 statistical neighborhoods represented by more than 200 registered neighborhood organizations (RNOs), Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and Homeowner Associations (HOAs).
In its defined geographic area, an RNO will normally address neighborhood quality of life issues - such as traffic, development and zoning, crime, communication and licensing, and promote social activities to enhance residential spirit, developing a sense of community, and encourage resident participation. RNOs meet regularly and many send out newsletters to keep residents informed on neighborhood issues and events.
Get more involved in your community by joining your Registered Neighborhood Organization (RNO). Below is a list of Council District 5 community organizations. You can also find out which RNO you belong to by entering your address or selecting a location on the map.
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